Eagles’ UDFA Mike Warren Has ‘A lot of Untapped Potential’
The Eagles’ reunion with Corey Clement has most Eagles' fans feeling he might be a lock to make the final roster. He was a member of the Eagles lone Super Bowl winning roster and is familiar with the Eagles offensive system.
That problem was – is – his injuries.Clement barely contributed last season before landing on injured reserve with a shoulder issue. He also missed time with a knee injury during a disappointing 2018 season.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman stated three things after the Eagles loss to the Seahawks in the Wild Card Playoff round last season.
Can he run? His he healthy? And does he love to play?
Clement might love the game, but speed and health aren't the first two things that come to mind when asked to describe his game.
Starting tailback Miles Sanders is entrenched as the Eagles starter, and Boston Scott seems likely to have some complementary role in the backfield. Which means the third running back on the roster, who could have a decent role, is seemingly up-for-grabs.
The Eagles have reportedly been looking to add a veteran to the position with Devonta Freeman and LeSean McCoy as potential targets, but maybe they also hoped they could chip away at that problem with undrafted rookie free agent Mike Warren out of Cincinnati.
"Mike Warren is a guy who left college early," explained 973espn.com Eagles insider Andrew DiCecco during 'Football at Four' on The Sports Bash.
"He had 3,000 yards of production over the past two seasons," DiCecco continued. Going into this season, he would have been one of the top running backs in the country."
Warren was a standout as a junior for the Bearcats, running for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
The 5-foot-9, 226-pound tailback is more than just a big back, he offers good versatility and the ability to run between the tackles and was described to have soft, quality hands out of the backfield.
"They got a lot of great value there with him," DiCecco explained. "He has a lot of untapped potential. He had 51 reception during his career at Cincinnati and he started out his career as a return specialist. He's a little bit more than a bruising running back that his size would indicate."
Warren isn’t just a long-shot in the Eagles crowded running back rotation, according to DiCecco he is a guy who can not only make the team, but help the team..
"He's got very nifty feet. Good vision and contact balance. He stays on his fee and makes guys pay as he makes his way through contact."
"I think he's going to be a guy that will be heavily in contention for a roster spot."
The big question is can he beat out Clement and possibly another veteran back? The two are fighting for similar roles and the top of the running back room already seems set with Sanders and Scott.